Telephone alarm system



May 3, 1949. -R. A. SEARS 2,469,278

TELEPHONE ALARM SYSTEM Filed March 18, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 1.

INVENTOR.

. RA PH A. SEARS BY MKW A TTORN E Y.

-May 3, 1949. R. A. SEARS 2,469,278

TELEPHONE ALARM SYSTEM Filed March 18 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I 7MKMW ATTORNEY.

Patented May 3, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 8 Claims.

This invention relates generally to indicating systems and is particularly directed to a system by which the protective branches of local governments may be utilized to a greater advantage in the preservation of life and property.

One object of the present invention resides in providing an indicating system which will automatically notify one or more members of a protective branch of the local government of the existence of an emergency in a region served by the indicating system to the end that the emergency may be quickly and efficiently attended to in the proper manner to remedy the situation.

Another object of the invention resides in providing an indicating system which may be connected in a conventional telephone circuit to utilize such circuit, in the event an emergency arises, to notify the proper authorities in a quick, expeditious manner and without the attention of an operator.

A further object of the invention is to provide an indicating system for use in a house or other buiding to notify the police that a burglary is being committed or that some other emergency 9 exists, the system having an electrical circuit including a trip switch arranged to be actuated by an intruder or by an unusual condition, to close the circuit; means for initiating a telephone call to the proper authorities and informing them of the emergency; means for causing the repetition of the call a suitable number of times to offset the possibility of the failure of one or more calls to be completed due to the telephone number called being busy, and switch means for interrupting the circuit after a call has been completed.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a mechanism including a driving motor, a plurality of switches operating in timed sequence by such motor, one of the switches serving to connect an electric circuit which forms a part of the mechanism, with a telephone line, a second switch being operative to interrupt the circuit to eifect the dialing of a number, a third switch serving to initiate the operation of a sound reproducing mechanism which transmits a message over the telephone line to the number previously dialed, other switches and mechanism causing the series of operations to be repeated a predetermined number of times and then be discontinued.

Another object of the invention is to provide a warning circuit containing a relay, a trip switch of any suitable type for connecting the relay to a source of electric current, an electric motor which is supplied with current when the relay is connected with the current source, a telephone circuit also completed when the relay is actuated, the telephone circuit containing a pickup unit for transmitting a message from a record to the telephone circuit, a dialing switch which is operative to transmit impulses to the telephone circuit to place a call for a particular station and a switch in the ringing section of the telephone circuit which operates to interrupt or break the warning circuit after it has once been placed in operation.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings in which one embodiment of the invention has been illustrated in detail, it being understood at this time that the form of the invention selected is for illustration only and not for limiting the invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional View of one form of mechanism which may be employed to carry out the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken through the mechanism on the plane indicated by the line III[ of Fig. 1;

Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are detail horizontal sectional views taken through the mechanism shown in Fig. l on the planes indicated by the lines III-1II, IVIV, V--V and VIVI, respectively, of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view of circuits employed in carrying out the present invention.

Referring more particularly to the drawings and particularly Fig. '7, the numeral 20 designates the completed circuit in its entirety. This circuit is connected with conventional electrical supply lines 2| and 22; it; includes a relay 23 having an operating coil 24 connected at one side directly with one of the supply lines and at the other with the second supply line through a line 25 containing a pair of switches 26 and 21. Switch 21 is a normally closed type and its purpose will be set forth later in the description. Switch 26 is an electro-magnetically operated one having an actuating coil 28 disposed in a circuit branch containing a trip switch 30 which may be of any suitable type, a photoelectric switch being one example. The switch 30 when of the photo-electric type includes a photo-electric cell which is disposed in the path of a light beam and controls the opening and closing operations of an electric switch. As long as the light beam impinges upon the cell the switch will remain open, when the light beam is interrupted in any manner the switch will close and remain closed even though the beam was only temporarily interrupted. It will be seen that the switch 30 may be located remotely from the mechanism 35 controlled thereby. For example it may be placed in a doorway or a plurality of switches may be arranged at window openings. Such switches might also be arranged in the duct of an air conditioning system and adjusted soas to be sensitive to smoke thusn'ia'king the device function as a fire as well as a burglar alarm. When the switch is arranged on one side of a space and the source of the light beam on thepther'iany' ob- 1 ject passing through the light beam will inter.-

rupt it and cause the closing of theswitch"to initiate the operation of the mechanism. The switch 30 may be any of a number of commercial types now available .on the open market the switch, per se, forming no part of the present invention. Switch 30' is' 's'uch that it will remain closed after having been once tripped even though "the person, thing or cond-ition'causing it to be "tripped has moved away'or' b'een changed. When "switch 30 has been closedfelectric current is supplied to can 28 causing switch 26 to close'and pro- "vide for current flow-to coil24' of'the relay. When 'this"coil24 is"energized,feach of a'pair of switch arms Blend 32 are'movedto' circuit completing "positions.

The' circuit'ZO includestwo sections, one, the telephone section 33,shown by*the heavy'lines, and the other, the'power section 34,shown by the lighter IineSQ fOroperating a mechanism" 35,.

shown in Fig. 1,"used' to control the telephone circult and send inessagesfthereover. The telephonesection '33 of the circuit includes three terminals 36, Hand 38 "which connect the section with the conventional telephonesystem. Terminal 36 is connected with the Switch?! of relay23 which switchis'inoved to a circuit closing position when the coil 24 is energized. A line 39 leads from thefswitch 3l' to "a normally closed switch 40,- theline'39 containing afixed "resistance element 4 and an electricalpickup device 42. liinefifextjendsifrom switchflfl toa fnormally "o'pen switch? which in turn-"'is "con- "nected by a line 45'withlterminal 31.

V "When coil'24'is"energized,"theswitch 32 is also moved to circuit-closing" position. This switch 32 controls the power section of the circuit 'it'is connected with oneof the power supplylines 2| "by a line"46. It isf'also connected by a 'line '4'! with a synchronous 'motor 48 w'hichis inturn connected by line'50 with" l ihe which contains switch 21 j and "is connected with power supply "line 22to complete the circuit for'the motor lfl. This motor drivesthe mechanism 35. A The mechanism' which has been shown in "Figs. 1 to (if as onelexainplefonly of mechanism for utilizingthe' circuit comprising the present invention, includes a easing'5l having a bottom wall 52, sidewalls 53 and'a hinged top 54. Wall f52 receives and supports themotor 48 which may be of any suitable type having a vertically ex tending armature shaft caused to rotate, when "the motor is energized; at a desired speed'which in 'thisi'nstan'ce is '78 RI'PIM. Side walls 53 support a plurality of horizontal ":partitions5fi, "51 v and 58 through which'the shaft 55 extends. The first partition 56 supports a'gear train- 60 which serves to reduce the speed'and transmit rotary i motion from. the'shaftj'55 to a drum 6i journalled for rotation on the shaft 55. The gear 4 train selected reduces the speed of rotationto cause the drum to revolve at the rate of R. P. M.

Drum Bl is provided with vertically spaced cam tracks 52, 63 and 64 which are disposed in registration with three switches one of which is switch M and the others being designated by numerals 65 and 66. These switches are supported by a dielectric block 61 mounted on one oftheside'walls 53. "Glam tracks '52, B3 and 64 are rovidedwith spaced," switch actuating humps 68, "ill and ll of different shapes designed and.

" located to actuate the respective switches 44, 65

and 66 in certain sequence. provided with three sets of these humps in the torm iof the invention shown so that the cycle of operationscontrolled thereby may be repeated at The cam tracks are desired intervals of time.

"Humps 63 are arranged to actuate switch 44, moving the same tocircuit-closing position and maintaining suchposition tor apredetermined length-of time. Since switch is in the telephone section of the circuitgthis "section will be completed after therelay has been energized and "motorfia revolves the drum 6| far enoughto cause the hump B8 to'engageand move switch FM to the ci-rcuit- 'closing position. "IIt'will be maintained in'comple'ted 'conditionuntil the hump158 has movedjbeyond't'heswitch.

V Humps 10 are arranged" to engage "and close switch 55 With switch controls the operationfof rotationabo-ut the' ax'is of shaft 55'; being driven therefrom by a seoondgear train. This ge'aring reduces "thespeed to therate'desired for'disk 13. Since disk 73 is only rotated once' for each cycle of operation of the device; a magnetically "actuated clutch" 1-5 is'e'mployed between the disk andthe gear train1'4to"discontinue'the' driving operation of the-disk after one completerevolution thereof.

' Clutch 15 includes a hub' flfi'whiohfis secured to the disk :7 3 and: a "gear *1 l. disposed foru-otation 'aboutthe axis' of shaft'55. Gear l'liahas a' plull. When the key- 3| is inthe-keyway 83- of the collar -8 the hub and consequentlythe :disk- "I3 will'be 'held" in stationary relation. Sinoe the collar is fixed, the disk-"willbe stopped-"and'held a at the-same place between successive revolutions. To causethe rotation of-thediskltthe key Bleis urged inwardly into the keyway; and-=one;.- of

the keyways 18. When so positioned, gear-7'11 will bekeyedtohub' lB-androtation of 'shaft 55 'will'causethe":disk -13-to revolve. The ratiorof the gear train (4 is =such as to reducethe rateof revolution-from W8- Pr-Mponzthe -part of-shaft 55 to .2 R; P. M;'On' thepaItOfdiSk'=13, the latter rate being selected to cause-spaced notches-85 -in "the peripheryof "disk-l3 'to passa given point at a'predetermined numberper'second.

Notches 85* are employed to effect: the opening and closing movements of--switch--4ll when--disk "-13 isrevolved. These-notches 85-are spaced-rand grouped to conform to selected telephone numbers,-sufiicient notches to represent one complete number onlybeing form'ed l on each disk. Only one disk 13 is employed'inaeach-mechanism 35. When thedisk 73 makes one revolution switch :40 will happened and. closed: asufficient number of times .andat the proper rate to send A impulses over the telephone line in groups conforming in number and frequency to the notches in disk 13 previously selected to represent a desired telephone number. Due to the impulses, the telephone represented by such number will be con nected with the circuit section 33 by the usual mechanism in the central exchange and the call signal of such telephone energized in the usual manner. After the dialing disk 13 has completed its revolution, spring 82 will move key 8| outwardly until gear TI is released from hub I6 and key 8| has entered the keyway 83 in collar 84. At this time disk 13 will be restrained against further rotation.

Immediately upon the completion of a revolution by disk 13, hump 1| will move switch 66 to a circuit-closing position. This switch 66 controls the operation of a second magnetically operated clutch 85, this clutch serving to connect a turntable 86 directly to and disconnect the same from the shaft 55. Clutch 85 is shown in section in Fig. 3; it includes a hub 81 which is suitably secured to the turntable 86, a key 88 and a spring 90 employed to urge the key outwardly from a keyway 9| formed in the shaft 55. The clutch also includes a solenoid 92 the core of which is employed to move and retain the key 88 in the Ikeyway 9| to effect the rotation of the turntable 86. The rate of 78 R. P. M. has been selected because it has been the most desirable for record reproduction. Turntable 86 receives a record disk 93 on which is recorded a suitable warning message. This record disk is engaged by the stylus 94 of the pickup unit 42. As the turntable revolves, the message will be transmitted to the telephone section of the circuit in the form of impulses in the usual manner. If the telephone station called has answered, the message will be received just as though it had been transmitted by an individual. If such station did not answer or if the line was busy at the time the number was first dialed, the cycle of operation will be repeated. To cause the automatic repetition of the cycle, the drum 6 or the cam tracks thereon are provided with three sets of humps B8, 10 and 'H' as above described. These sets of humps are uniformly spaced around the drum 6|. Since this drum is revolved at the rate of 1 6 R. P. M., three cycles of operation of the mechanism spaced at three minute intervals will occur unless the operation of the mechanism is sooner terminated.

Provisions have been made to effect the termination of the operation of the mechanism after a call is completed. These provisions include the switch 21 which is disposed in the holding circuit for the relay 23. They further include an electromagnet 95 the coil of which is connected in the ground or ringing circuit of the section 33. The message on the record disk 93 may be concluded with instructions to the person receiving the same to dial the number of the place where the alarm system is located. When this number is called, the impulses which would ordinarily cause the energization of the signal will energize the coil of the electromagnet 94 causing the opening of switch 21. The relay coil 24 will then be deenergized permitting switches 3| and 32 to open and place the mechanism in condition for a subsequent operation. Electromagnet 95 is connected in the ringing circuit by another electromagnetic switch 96 the coil 91 of which is connected with lines 50 and 4'! so that when switch 32 is closed it will be energized to hold switch 96 closed. This arrangement prevents an incoming call from disconnecting the warning system 6 in the event such a can should come in before the system is operated.

In the event the number called by the device does not respond the cycles will be repeated until the mechanism is disconnected from the power supply lines 2| and 22. This action may be accomplished either manually or automatically as desired through the operation of one or the other of suitable switches 98 and Hill. The latter switch may be operated by another hump |0| on drum 6| or by any suitable time controlled device.

From the foregoing it will be seen that there has been provided an alarm system which will without ,the attention of an operator effectively transmit a message .to a station over the telephone to warn the recipient of the message of the existence of an emergency in the region served by the system. The apparatus employed to effect these ends is compact, requires a minimum of service, is quiet in operation in order to avoid attracting the attention of the intruder when usedi to warn of an intrusion and will not have any deleterious efiects on the telephone circuit with: which it is connected. efiectiveness of the protective branches of the local governments and render the apprehension.

of criminals or housebreakers more probable.

While the invention has been shown and de-- scribed in only one form it is obvious that many minor changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts Without departing from. the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An alarm system comprising a circuit having apower section and a telephone section; a relaywith a pair of switches, one of said switches'beings disposed in said telephone section and the other: in said power section; a trip switch operat'iwez tm actuate said relay to close said switches when; at predetermined condition exists in the region; served by the system; a dialing switch in the tele-- phone section; record reproducing means having a pickup device connected in said telephone sec-- tion; means for actuating said dialing switch and! record reproducing means in timed sequence;; means operated by an incoming signal on saidl telephone section to interrupt the operation of. said alarm system; and means in said power section for rendering said interrupting means effec--- tive only when said relay switches are closed.

2. An alarm system comprising a circuit having a telephone section and a power section; switch 1 means for controlling said sections; means re- 'sponsive to the existence of a predetermined con dition in the region served by the system to effect X the closing of said switch means; means connected in the telephone section for dialing a selected telephone number; record reproducing means having a pickup device connected in said a telephone section; motor driven means for effecting the operation of said dialing means and the record reproducing means in the order named;

means in the telephone section operated by an incoming signal for interrupting the operation of I said system; and means operative when said. .1 system is operative to place said interrupting means in condition for operation.

3. An alarm system comprising a circuit having a telephone section and a power section; a relay having a switch in said telephone branch and a switch in said power branch; a trip switch for energizing said relay to close said switches upon 1 the existence of a predetermined condition in the region served by said alarm system; a driving It will increase the;

motor in said powercircuit, said driving motor being energized wnen the relai f'sw tche's" are closed; a m an w te fa 'kiid" (airin motor; a plurality of; switch 'el'ementsdisposed for actuation'by said a nm ans; oneoi-said switch elements being arranged in' the telephoneseotion of said circuit; a normally closed switch in said telephone section; means Tor opening closing said normally closed switch a plurality of times electric clutch means forestabli shin g adri connection between saidla's't-inamed "means and said motor, said"c1 1 1th condoned one f Said ca r at sw t he acrea e a t r ducer having "an electrical pickup device con nectedin said telephone section; -a second electric clutch means for" "establishing a" driving con; ne'ctio'n between said me g e reproducer and said drivingm'otor, said second olutch b eing con-ftrolled by another'oi said cam operated switches; and an electro-responsive "switch in said power e respective i ii which si nal O iana; telephone section to interrupt theoperation of the system.

An alarm system comprising a circuithaying a telephone'section and a power section; arelay insaid'circuit, sai drel'ay having a switch in said telephone section and fa second swi t ch in said power section; a 'tripswitch for controlling said relay and effecting thefclosing of said pa'ir ,oi switches upon the existence of 'a predetermined condition in the 'region'served'by the system; a

dialing'swit'ch in the telephone section; a mes-' sage reproducer in said telephone section; switch means in the power section for "'controllingth'e' operation of said dialing switch-"and message reproducer; and motor driven cam means for efiecting sequential operation of said last-n'amed' switch means.

"5. An alarm system comprising a signal circuit formed for connection to thetw'o outside lines of a conventional three wire telephone 'circuitfa first normally-open switch a pickupdevice having a record contacting device; a normally closed switch; a second normally-open switch, said switches and pickup device-being connected in series in the order named in said signalcircuiti a power circuit; a motor'in said power circuit; a' normally-open switch in said power circuit;

electro-responsive means for closing the firstnor mally-open switch in said signal circuit and the and moving a record bearing member relative to the contact device of said pickup device.

6; An alarm system comprising a circuit having a telephone signal section and'a power section; a

relay in said circuit, said relay having a switch in said telephonic signal section and a second switch in said power section; a trip switch re sponsive to the occurrence of a. predetermined condition in the region served by the system to f normally-open switch in said power circuit'upon the creation of a predetermined condition inthe' region served by said alarm system; 'means operated by said motor for suc-cessivlyclosing said second normally-open switch in said signal 'c'ir cuit," repeatedly opening andclosing'said normally-closed switch a predetermined number of times;

close a sw a pet wiieh in. sa d 9 .9-

' riilsystem; amesj'sage reproducerconed, in said telephonic signal section; means aidipower sectionfffor act i'ating said mes- "reproducer and said dialing switch switch means operated by said last-named' me'ans forinaerating the operation of said system upon the pletion of predetermined number of operat o si of saidmefssagereproducer; and-means resppnsiveto an incoming signal on said telephonic section tointerrupt the operation of the'systern priorto the operation of said last-mentioned switch means, v

7 1 An alarm system comprising a circuit having a telephonic signal section and a power section} a' relayiin said circuit, said relay'haying a switch to controisaid telephonic section and another switch to controlsaid power section; a trip switch for controlling the operation of said relay; a magei ki ii'reer ie r eee iesi in sa dj c sphonicsignalsystem; a' dialing switch; means for operating a' record bearing member relative to said pickup and a dialing cam relative to said dialing switch; a switch operated iby said last? amed mama ni r i he O rat f aid.

s em after e es? of a r t rmine t me interval; and rna'eans responsive to an incoming signal on said telephonic signal section to interrupt the operation ojf said systern prior to the:

Pa of f' efl l sd t r i d ime h e a f l eration thereof; said switch means being operated by said driving means; anda second switch-- hs er i ts r 'pi cshe. op r t zi' t aid" system, said secondswitch means being closed,

=-bya,1} incoming'signal or said telephonic signal section; the second switch neansbein capable of operation pr or to the operation of the interrupting switch Whichis operatedlby, the driving A PH A- SEARS-t RE n tnnoEs CITED ing reier enccsare of record in the 1 .i i i .S'IATES PATENTS umber- Nam Date.

298952 2 Ca en r v June. 15, 193vv 5.3 9992 1 1. a, Nov-123,

i- Ah al r sy m bm ri ns .a cuit haw 1%: a telephonic signal 'secticnand a power section; a

driving means after a predetermined period of 1' when "said power 'se'ctio n is energized and opened: 

